Volleyball Tourney On Saturday, the 931st ARG Volleyball Tournament will take place at the base gym. Games will be played inside. There will be four teams vying for the title of 931st Champion. Teams from the AMXS, CES, ARS and the combined squad of the MSF/HQ/OSF/AMF, will compete for a chance to play the command-ers/shirts/chiefs team in the final match. Play begins at 3:30 p.m. For more information or to sign up to compete, please contact Master Sgt. Bob Lorenz at 759-3625

Electronic KanzaBeginning in July the Kanza

Spirit will be distributed by elec-tronic delivery. All 931st mem-bers will receive a PDF version of the Spirit in their official email. Any traditional Reservists wishing to have the Spirit delivered to their home or work email should con-tact Maj. David Fruck at David.Fruck@mcconnell.af.mil.

As another alternative, the Kanza Spirit will also be posted on the new 931st public web site at www.931arg.afrc.af.mil. See page 7 for more details on the new web site. Please contact Maj. Fruck or Senior Airman Kenny L. Kimbrell at 759-3704/3686 for more information about the Kanza Spirit or the new unit web site.

InsideIncentive

FlightPage 5

Spirit ShortsPage 6

931st ARG WebsitePage 7

June 2006 McConnell AFB, Kansas Vol.11, No. 5

THIS UTABY SENIOR AIRMAN K.L. KIMBRELL931ST ARG PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Most venture to the Hawaiian Islands to enjoy a sun filled vacation on the beach, complete with leis, hula girls and coconuts; on the other hand, the 931st Civil Engineer Squadron spent their time there with power tools, heavy machinery and elbow grease. (Well okay, maybe they had a little fun too.)

Members of the squadron, along with other Air Force Reserve CE squadrons, recently participated in an Innovative Readiness Project constructing Aloha Gardens, a 40-acre project in Wahiawa, Hawaii that will serve the elderly, persons with disabilities and the economically and culturally disadvantaged of Hawaii’s north shore.

Three Air Force Reserve Civil Engineer Squadrons teamed up to complete the project.

There were two rotations, lasting about two weeks each, from the 931st CES, the

third and fourth overall, which partici-pated in the project. The squadron was preceded by the 908th CES from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. and followed by the 302nd CES from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The first group worked on the project from April 29 until May 14, the second group from May 13 until May 28.

When the first group arrived the 908th CES had already laid the foundation for the project of building living quarters and

Continued on page 3

Aloha! 931 CES does Hawaii(C

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2 JUNE 2006

Who do you know?The Kanza Spirit staff is looking for story ideas about 931st members who have unique hobbies or jobs, especially those that offer opportunities for unusual and interesting photos. Please contact Senior Airman Kenny Kimbrell at (316) 759-3686 or kenny.kimbrell-

02@mcconnell.af.mil with your ideas.

UTASCHEDULENext UTA: July 15-16

Aug. 12 -13Sept. 16-17Oct. 14-15

Karl J. Hurdle, Colonel931st Air Refueling Group Commander

commander’s message

C o m m a n d e rCol. Karl J. Hurdle

S p i r i t S t a f fMaj. Dave FruckChief of Public Affairs

Senior Airman K.L. KimbrellEditor

H o w t o r e a c h u sKanza Spirit

931st Air Refueling Group53280 Topeka St., Ste. 221McConnell AFB, KS 67221

Commercial Phone:(316) 759-3704DSN: 743-3704

Fax: (316)759-3393

E - m a i l :kenny.kimbrell-02@mcconnell.af.mil

V o l . 1 1 N o . 5

D e a d l i n e sThe deadline to submit ar-

ticles and newsbriefs for pub-lication is close of business of the UTA.

This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Kanza Spirit are not nec-essarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Gov-ernment of the Dept. of the Air Force. Editorial content is ed-ited, prepared and provided by the 931st Public Affairs Office. All photos are Air Force photos unless otherwise indicated.

The Kanza Spirit is mailed each month to all 931st ARG members on file with Person-nel. Members not receiving their copy should check with their administration section to ensure their filed address is correct.

Welcome to the June UTA!

I would like to congratulate our Civil Engineer Squadron for volunteering to help out the less fortunate. They did a fantastic job pouring concrete, building walls, frames, and roofs for a con-struction project that will provide a helping hand to a Hawaiian community. Our folks, as part of a team of 150 highly skilled Air Force Reservists helped our friends in Hawaii build three dormitories and a so-cial hall. These facilities are designed to aid the elderly, disabled and those at risk of becoming homeless. Lt. Col. Kimberly Thompson, 931st Civil Engineer Squadron Commander, commented “Air Force Reservists are doing a noble project fulfilling a deep social need”. Additional benefits of the Hawaiian project are civil engineering skill sharpening. Our folks used this opportunity to broaden their horizons as they prepare for combat.

More good news—Looks like two of our comrades are soon to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Majors Mike Moeding and Marco Moor did an extraordi-nary job while flying over enemy territory. While deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003, they experi-enced a serious emergency while flying a combat mission over Afghanistan and expertly recovered their aircraft. I am very proud of them and they definitely define the Kanza Spirit.

Think safety and ORM, have a great UTA

3KANZA SPIRIT

NEWS

a social hall.“By the time we arrived, Maxwell

(908th CES) had laid all of the con-crete pads, and put up the interior and exterior walls of the three living quar-ters buildings,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Kilian, Structure Shop Supervisor. “The social hall was just a concrete pad when we arrived.”

The 931st CES completed their portion of the project and passed the baton to the 302nd CES to anchor the project.

“By the end of the rotations, the So-cial Hall was framed, trusses installed, decking placed, and underlayment for the metal roof placed,” said Sergeant Kilian, “The three living quarters buildings also had trusses installed, roofs decked, underlayment placed and the very beginnings of the metal roof was being placed at the end of our rotation.”

Despite the long, hard days, mem-bers of the 931st found some time to have some fun.

“On work days we were usually too tired to do anything, but on the week-end we tried to get in as much sight-seeing as possible,” said Tech. Sgt. Erin Hubbard, Electrical Systems Specialist.

Continued from page 1

“We went to Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, saw an Elvis imperson-ator at the Blue Hawaii show, walked through Waikiki, saw the sun set at the North Shore, and hiked Diamond Head.”

And maybe a little more fun.We went snorkeling, shopping,

hiking, boogie-boarding, surfing, swimming on the beach, and some of us went to the movies, “said Senior Airman Callie Tilson, Supply Appren-tice.

After the rotations were com-

Master Sgt. Melvin Kurtz, Structures Shop, uses a pressure washer to clean a concrete pad at the ‘Aloha Gardens’ compound.

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plete, some took time to reflect on the significance of the facility they had a hand in building.

“Since I have had two handicapped sisters, one of them lives in a similar fa-cility; it had a special meaning for me,” said Sergeant Hubbard. “The Helemana Plantation is such an awesome place.”

“It feels good knowing that there are facilities for such purposes,” said Airman Tilson. “Knowing that you can put a smile on someone’s face and make their lives just that much better is worth it all.”

Senior Master Sgt. John Lough, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Tech. Sgt. Steve Tracey, Power Produc-tion, work on framing one of the living structures at the “Aloha Gardens’ compound.

Members with the first rotation of the 931st CES team up to lift part of a frame into place. The 931st CES took part in the Innovative Readiness Project from April 29 to May 28.

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4 JUNE 2006

AF NEWS

AIR FORCE PRINT NEWS Based on feedback received during visits

with Airmen across the Air Force, the Air Force Uniform Board is reviewing several concepts that Airmen have suggested re-garding the appearance of the service dress uniform.

Some of the informal feedback about the current service dress includes Airmen want-ing to revamp the service dress to look more military, like the other services. One senior airman said, “the current uniform resembles a cheesy business suit.” Another staff ser-geant said, “think world’s most dominating air power, not CEO,” and another described it as a “cheap leisure suit.”

Other comments have suggested that the uniform needs to reflect the Air Force’s his-tory more. On an Internet message board an Airman recently wrote, “I want to look good and be proud of my AF heritage.” Another Airman wrote that the dress uniform pales in comparison to any of the other services. “We need something that distinguishes us as proud members of the U.S. military.”

The Air Force began exploring these ideas by producing several prototypes that reflect a combination of ideas that have been

gleaned from comments, suggestions and informal surveys conducted over the past several years.

A more formal survey soon will provide additional opportunities for Airmen to provide feedback and comments.

“We’ve been getting informal feedback on our current service dress uniform for several years, and what we consistently have heard from many Airmen is a desire for a more ‘military,’ and less ‘corporate’ look and feel, something more reflective of the Air Force’s heritage, and its role as a professional military organization,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice, director of Airman development and sustainment, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel.

“The Uniform Board has come up with some options to explore these concepts and the initial prototypes are direct de-scendants of our heritage, rooted in Hap Arnold and Billy Mitchell’s Air Force,” General Allardice said.

New service dress prototypes pique interestAirmen influence development of potential uniform changes

Senior Master Sgt. Dana Athnos shows off a proto-type of the Billy Mitchell heritage coat in the Penta-gon. Sergeant Athnos is a member of the Air Force uniform board. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez)

The survey will provide a more formal opportunity to collect feedback on whether or not Airmen want a new service dress, and if so, what changes, likes, or dislikes they have about the prototypes.

“We believe we need to respond to the force and the constant flow of feedback we receive on the service dress is driving this initiative. We see this as an opportunity to do so, along with a chance to reflect on our rich history, as well as the image we wish to portray in uniform,” said General Allardice. “We want to make sure our uniforms, all combinations, meet our current and future needs.”

This process will use the standard Air Force Uniform Board process and as with the Airman’s Battle Uniform, Airmen are encouraged to take the opportunity to directly contribute to how their new service uniform might look.

The Air Force will present options based on feedback received on possible service dress designs through the uniform board process.

Brig. Gen. Robert Allardice and Senior Master Sgt. Dana Athnos show off prototypes of the Billy Mitch-ell heritage coat in the Pentagon on Monday, May 15, 2006. General Allardice is director of Airmen development and sustainment and Sergeant Athnos is a member of the Air Force uniform board. (U.S. Air Force photos/Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez)

5KANZA SPIRIT

around the group

When Lt. Col. James Brock, our maintenance squadron commander asked if I was interested in taking an incentive flight, I immediately re-sponded “Sure – that should be fun” . A few days later I received word from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing that I was chosen for the flight. I had a few concerns – what if I am on the plane and the crew members are from our unit? Oh no – This has not been a good year for money. But I put my worries aside because we received money before the flight and the units had money and Lt. Col. Robert Silvia of the 931st Operations Sup-port Flight told me to count the parachutes before take off to make sure one was mine – that really helped my confidence.

The Turbo 55 Incentive Flight was on May 17 with a show time of 1000L (that means local time not lunar time) Our flight was going to depart at 1207L and be 2.7 hours in duration .

The Great day came for the five of us that were selected to take the Incen-tive Flight. We reported to the passenger terminal to be processed; that included showing an I.D., getting logged into the computer, paying money for a box lunch, getting some yellow marshmallows (earplugs) to protect our ears and waiting for our escort to take us to the flightline. We are also told to go to the restroom before we departed.

At 1045L the escort came with the van, we made a quick stop by the dining hall to up our box lunches and we were off to the flight line.

We waited in the van until the aircrew was ready for us. A few minutes passed and two military members who are boom operators came to the van to give us our safety briefing.

My only flying experience had been on com-mercial flights where the flight attendants stand in

front of the plane and demonstrate the oxygen mask operation, seat belt usage and emergency exits. This flight briefing was a little different. The boom operators are now our flight atten-dants and they had to stand outside our van and explain the use of the oxygen mask. The oxygen mask is a little different – it is a plastic bag you put over your head, tighten it around your neck and pull a little ring on this tiny little can and get oxygen for 5 minutes.. Boy was I impressed – 5 minutes, what if we ran out? I was put to ease by the boom operator who will bring me another little can if I needed it. The boom op-erators explained that we have several different exits in case we needed to use them . We also learned about all the horns and lights that will go off in case of emergencies. Bottom line, if you hear 6 horns we are in real trouble.

After our briefing, the boom operators took us aboard the plane and showed us where we will go to watch the refueling. I had lots of questions and got good answers. The yellow tanks that are lined up above the boom area were not gas we were going to use to put in the other plane; it was oxygen in case we needed it.

I found out that gas is stored in the wings, and under the plane. Now that’s lots of gas.

We got to look around at the inside of the plane. Not much to look just a bunch of wires taped together. We did find the restroom. Now I know why it is a good idea to go before we leave home. Boy, how different, a metal box and a couple of large tubes.

It was take-off time – we put in the ear plugs and took a seat that lined the walls of the plane. Even the water jug had its own seat. The seat was not very comfortable, but there was lots of leg room.

There are observation seats that we used to watch the pilots and see what they do while flying. One chair is right behind the pilots and

another seat by this escape hatch. We took turns sitting behind the pilots to watch them. The seat belts on the chairs really do hold you in place, but I could still breathe. One pilot would turn a dial and the other one would watch. The pilots have a little white instruction book – probably to know what dial to turn. There was not much to see because the windows are small. I got concerned when I saw a sign that said: “Emergency Exit Rope” above the emergency hatch. I wondered if the rope was over 30,000 feet long if we needed to use it. But again, I was put at ease by the boom operator that told me they use the rope when the plane is on the ground not the air.

We got to go to the boom area and lay on the couches to watch the refueling. These couches could be good afternoon nap areas, but we had work to do. We got to wear headsets to listen in on the conversation of the pilots, boom operator and the B-2 pilot. As the B-2 got close it flipped this cover over on top of the plane – there was no gas cap. The boom operator had to guide the gas nozzle using this joy stick so gas could be pumped into the plane. The boom operator explained that refueling the B-2 is tedious because the boom

cannot touch the outside of the plane because it will scratch the plane causing a malfunction in the radar. So the B-2 flew up to the gas nozzle and the boom operator wiggled the gas nozzle back and forth, and we had a connection. What a sight and a thrill. The boom watched a gas gauge to see how much fuel it had dispensed. The B-2 even pushed our plane along. It must have had more power, but we probably saved gas by letting them push us. All the incentive flight folks got to take turns to watch the

refueling process.After about 30 minutes all the fun was over, it

was time to fly home. We ate our picnic lunches from the dining hall (not a bad deal for $3.50) and looked at all the pictures we had taken. As we got closer to the ground the temperature in the plane got warmer -- there are no temperature controls so you have to just fan yourself with the evacua-tion instruction card. The plane tilted side to side, but we had a smooth landing.

We were returned to the processing center in a blue school bus.

The incentive group had a great experience and it is one I will always remember. The flight just reconfirmed that I am so proud to be part of a great Air Force team.

Budget Officer receives ‘incentive’

BY MRS. M

ARY BORST931ST ARG BUDGET OFFICER

6 JUNE 2006

Spirit Shorts

GTC Account Access Simplified Government Travel Cardholders can now have access to

individual accounts. Cardholders also have the ability to update their address and phone numbers. To initiate the pro-cess, you must register at the website listed below. Once the registration form is completed and submitted to the bank, you will be notified that your registration is complete and your username and password will be mailed to the address on file at Bank of America. Please ensure your address is correct before self registering; if unsure, call 1-800-472-1424 and verify with Bank of America before submitting self-registration form.

HTTP://WWW.GCSUTHD.BANKOFAMERICA.COM/EAGLS_SELFREGISTRATION/SELFREG.ASPX

Update Duty History OnlineAirmen are now responsible for reviewing their duty history

and requesting changes, additions or deletions online through the virtual Military Personnel Flight beginning.

Airmen can enter the vMPF by logging onto the Air Force Personnel Center’s secure Web site where they can access their duty history under “Most Popular Applications” or “Self-Ser-vice Actions/Personal Data.”

Each Airman will be responsible for justifying changes by providing supporting documentation. The following items are some of the source documents that can be used to support duty history changes:

Air Force Form 707A, Field Grade Officer Performance Report AF Form 707B, Company Grade Officer Performance Report AF Form 910, Enlisted Performance Report (AB thru TSgt.)

AF Form 911, Enlisted Performance Report (MSgt. thru CMSgt.)AF Form 1098, Special Task Certification and Recurring Training

AF Form 2096, Classification/On-The-Job Training Action

Members requesting an action related to duty history can log on to the Personal Services Delivery Transformation Web site

and click on ‘duty history’ at HTTP://ASK.AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL/PSD.

VA urges caution afterinformation theftBY SAMANTHA L. QUIGLEYAMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Veterans Affairs officials announced May 22 the theft of per-sonal information on up to 26.5 million veterans. However, VA Secretary R. James Nicholson stressed there’s no indication the information is being used for purposes of fraud.

“We at the VA have recently learned that an employee here, a data analyst, took home a considerable amount of electronic data from the VA, which he was not authorized to do,” Secretary Nicholson said. “His home was burglarized and this data was stolen.”

The compromised data includes names, Social Security num-bers and birthdates of veterans who separated from the military since 1975, he said. The information also may have included data on veterans who separated before 1975 but who submitted a claim for VA benefits.

No medical or financial information was compromised, though the files might have contained numeric disability ratings in some cases, Secretary Nicholson added. A statement issued by the de-partment indicated that spousal information also might have been compromised in some cases.

“There is no indication that any use is being made of this data or even that (the thieves) know they have it,” he said.

Exercising what the secretary called “an abundance of cau-tion,” the department is working through a number of channels, including the news media, to make veterans aware of the situation. Individual notification letters also will be mailed to veterans.

The department is providing more information through the www.firstgov.gov Web site and call centers that can be reached at (800) 333-4636. The call centers will be able to handle more than 250,000 calls a day.

“The most important priority that I have right now is to get the word out to our veterans and get them alerted and aware of this possibility,” Secretary Nicholson said.

The department also is encouraging veterans to watch their financial accounts for any signs of fraud or identity theft. If sus-picious activity is detected, veterans should contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.

Secretary Nicholson said the Federal Trade Commission has alerted credit bureaus of a potential increase in requests for fraud alerts and for requests for credit reports.

There is no indication when the career employee removed the information from his office, but the data was stolen when his home was burglarized sometime this month, Secretary Nicholson said. He declined to identify the employee or where he lives but said law enforcement officials reported several burglaries in the area and they do not believe the stolen information was targeted.

“The employee has been placed on administrative leave pend-ing the outcome of (a full-scale) investigation,” he said. All ap-propriate law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Veterans Affairs Department’s Inspector General are participat-ing in the investigation.

SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

7KANZA SPIRIT

Spirit Shorts“My Stuff” Tracking

Airmen can now track the status of requests and correspondence sent to the Air Force Contact Center via the “My Stuff” tab on the Air Force Personnel Center public Web site. Airmen need a separate user identification and pass-word to access My Stuff because the new software cannot be accessed at this time with the reduced sign-on capabil-ity used by the Air Force Portal and the AFPC Secure site.

The system automatically created a generic user ID and password for Airmen who previously corresponded with the contact center. Those mem-bers should have received an e-mail

from contact.center@randolph.af.mil requiring them to person-alize and secure their account by establishing a

unique password. Members can personalize their generic account by visiting the AFPC public Web site.

HTTP://WWW.AFPC.RANDOLPH.AF.MIL

New 931st Public Site

The new and improved 931st ARG Website is scheduled to be up and running in June. The new site, which conforms to the new Air Force web consistency stan-dards will contain Air Force news on lo-cal and national levels, unit photographs, biographies and fact sheets, videos, links and online versions of Air Force Reserve publications, including the Kanza Spirit.

Once the site is fully functional and online, an email notification will be sent to all members of the group. Questions regarding the website should be directed to Senior Airman Kenny L. Kimbrell by email, kenny.kimbrell-02@mcconnell.af.mil or telephone, 759-3686. The web address of the new site is:

WWW.931ARG.AFRC.AF.MIL

Military SentinelMilitary Sentinel is a project of the Federal

Trade Commission and the Department of Defense to identify and target consumer protection issues that affect members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.

To file a con-sumer complaint, visit the site and click on your service seal. This will link you to the consumer complaint forms.

The site also provides a gateway to con-sumer education materials covering a wide range of consumer protection issues, from auto leasing, to identity theft, to work-at-home scams.

Military Sentinel allows members of the United States Armed Forces to enter con-sumer complaints directly into a database that is immediately accessible by over 500 law enforcement organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. These law enforcement agencies use this complaint data to target cases for prosecution and other enforcement measures.

HTTP://WWW.CONSUMER.GOV/MILITARY/

HEAD

QUAR

TERSJob Title: Chaplain Assistant

Civilian job: Soldier Readiness Center on Ft. Riley, Kan. and at the hospital in Manhattan, Kan.

Favorite way to relax: Spending time with my wife and baby daughter

What annoys me: Asking me what annoys me (just kidding) - I can’t really think of anything

Most influential person in my life: My parents. For their examples, patience, guidance and support

What I’m reading: Anything I can get my hands on

If I won $1 million, I would: Love to become involved in a humanitarian project or effort to help children and families in need. It’s amazing who we become when we live for others.

Senior Airman Michael R. Abbey Joined the Air Force Reserve one year ago after serving 3 years with the United States Army.

SPIRIT SPOTLIGHT

8 JUNE 2006

WICHITA WEEKEND

Movies are shown at the McConnell Air Force Base Theater and are subject to change.Admission is $3.50 for adults, $1.75 for children 11 and under. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

McConnell Movie Line – (316) 759-4181

At the Movies

Motorcycle RallyJune 10-11 — Big Dog Motorcycles hosts the second annual ‘Tornado Rally’ at Big Dog motorcycles showroom and factory located at 1520 E. Douglas in Wichita, Kan. The rally will feature a bikini contest, ex-hibits, and live music. Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free admission. For info call 219-7050.

StaindJune 11 — Staind is set to perform at the Cotillion, located at 11120 W. Kellogg in Wichita, Kan. at 8 p.m. Special guests in-clude Three Days Grace and Hurt. Advance tickets are $35 at all Select-A-Seat outlets or by calling:

316-722-4201

Wichita WranglersJune 10 — The Wichita Wranglers take on the Tulsa Drillers on Saturday June 10. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For more information and tickets, call the Wran-gler ticket office at 267-3372 or by log-ging on to: www.wichitawranglers.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 9 7pm 1 hr. 47 min. The President decides to be a guest judge on the television ratings juggernaut, the weekly talent show American Dreamz. America can’t seem to get enough of American Dreamz, hosted by self-aggrandizing, self-loathing Martin Tweed, ever on the lookout for the next insta-celebrity.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language

American Dreamz Akeelah and the BeeSATURDAY, JUNE 10 7pm1 hr. 12 min. Akeelah Anderson, from south Los Angeles, is discov-ered to have a talent for words. In spite of the objections of her mother Wanda, Akeelah enters a spelling contest. Her gift takes her to compete in the National Spelling Bee, the most famous competition of its kind in the world.

MPAA Rating: PG for language

931st ARG/PA53280 Topeka StreetSuite 221McConnell AFB, KS 67221-3767

FIRST CLASS MAILU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #85WICHITA, KS